Enrolled vs unenrolled deed poll — what is the difference?
General UK name-change information, not individual legal advice. Requirements can vary by organisation and UK jurisdiction; where a decision matters, check the relevant official guidance.
Quick answer
An unenrolled deed poll is not placed on the High Court public record. An enrolled deed poll is registered through the High Court process and the name change is advertised in The Gazette. Enrolment is not automatically required just because you want to change your name, but GOV.UK says some organisations may only accept an enrolled deed poll. Check the organisation you need to update before choosing a route.
Unenrolled deed poll
Not entered on the High Court public record
You keep and use the signed document as evidence when updating organisations. It is not the public enrolment route.
Available from age 16
GOV.UK provides wording and signing guidance for making your own unenrolled deed poll. A paid preparation service is optional.
GOV.UK says an unenrolled deed poll should be signed with two witnesses aged 18 or over. It also warns that some organisations will not accept a witness who lives at the same address as you or is a close relative, so choosing independent witnesses is the safer practical approach.
Enrolled deed poll
Public record
The enrolment process records the change and normally results in a notice in The Gazette. Consider the privacy impact before applying.
Current fee: £53.05
That is the High Court enrolment fee currently published on GOV.UK. Check the official page before applying in case the fee changes.
Adults aged 18 or over can apply to enrol a deed poll. GOV.UK says the process can take several months. There is a separate process where a child under 18 is involved.
Which will organisations accept?
There is no useful universal percentage. Different organisations can set their own evidence policies, and those policies can change. GOV.UK specifically says some organisations — including some banks, mobile phone companies and energy providers — may only accept an enrolled deed poll.
Before paying to enrol, ask the particular organisation what evidence it accepts. If an unenrolled deed poll is accepted, there is no reason to create a public High Court record merely for SEO-style claims of “extra validity”. If an organisation requires enrolment, follow the official enrolment route.
Privacy difference
This is one of the clearest distinctions. An unenrolled deed poll is not entered in the High Court enrolment record. An enrolled deed poll is a public-record process and is normally advertised in The Gazette. For people changing a name for safety, privacy or identity reasons, that difference can be important.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Change your name by deed poll
- GOV.UK — Make an unenrolled deed poll
- GOV.UK — Enrol a deed poll with the courts
Want the court process itself? Read the enrolment steps.
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Related guides you may find helpful
What is a deed poll?
Start with the basics of changing a name by deed poll.
Read the guideDeed poll costs
DIY, service and government fees explained.
Read the guideWitness requirements
Who can witness an unenrolled deed poll.
Read the guideHow to enrol a deed poll
The current High Court process and public-record implications.
Read the guide